Science equity committee
Meet our Faculty of Science Equity Committee (FoSEC) members.
The Faculty of Science Equity Committee (FoSEC) meet every two weeks and work to support and advocate for an inclusive and diverse faculty.
To learn more about equity initiatives, working groups, getting involved, reporting equity issues, and discussing ideas, get in touch with Sonia Fonua (Chair of the Equity Committee) and Megan Waters (Faculty Administrator) via science-equity@auckland.ac.nz. This is a confidential inbox. All items will be handled confidentially and will only be escalated with full consent. All ideas are welcome.
This is a safe space, and you are welcome to reach out and connect with any of the committee members.
Merrion Baker
Student Support Adviser
"I work within the Student Support team, helping students with any pastoral care concerns that may impact their studies. As part of this, I am the Disability liaison within the team and work with the Disability office in providing faculty support. This more holistic approach aims to help students access the support resources they need and identify any barriers students may be facing, working towards a more equitable and inclusive space for students."
Phone: +64 9 923 3113
Email: m.baker@auckland.ac.nz
Rebecca Deed
Lecturer
"I'm the representative for the School of Chemical Sciences. I'm a member of the Rainbow Science Network and an advocate for Women in Science."
Profile: Rebecca Deed
Phone: +64 9 373 7599
Email: rebecca.deed@auckland.ac.nz
Erica Farrelly
Kaitohutohu Tautoko Tauira/Student Support Adviser
"I work as a Support Adviser supporting students through pastoral care challenges. I was on the Pilot for the MATES Mentoring programme in high-school and was supported through an Equity scheme (low socio-economic) at another tertiary provider. I am committed to supporting students from refugee backgrounds. A particular passion in this space is to increase awareness and visibility of this cohort and facilitate opportunities of engagement and empowerment."
Email: e.farrelly@auckland.ac.nz
Sonia Fonua
Professional Teaching Fellow
Profile: Sonia Fonua
Phone: +64 9 923 9710
Email: s.fonua@auckland.ac.nz
Anne Gaskett
Associate Professor School of Biological Sciences
"I study, teach and make discoveries about how animals behave in nature. I’m an expert in orchids and their pollinators, a surprisingly complex and fascinating topic! I'm a lecturer, so I teach classes, do research, and supervise masters and PhD students as they start their careers in Science. I’m also a mum with two little kids and married to another biologist. My job is diverse, just like nature. I really love that."
Profile: Anne Gaskett
Email: a.gaskett@auckland.ac.nz
Annette Henderson
Associate Professor
"I represent the School of Psychology. As a woman in science working to find the right balance between academia and parenting, I am passionate about doing what I can to foster growth in Equity-related issues across the University community."
Phone: +64 9 923 2521
Email: a.henderson@auckland.ac.nz
Profile: Annette Henderson
Yannan Jiang
Senior research fellow
"I am an academic staff member in the Department of Statistics, a senior biostatistician, a woman in science, and a parent. I am interested in health research and teaching, and would like to contribute to a more equitable and inclusive environment in our university and faculty."
Profile: Yannan Jiang
Phone: +64 9 923 4725
Email: y.jiang@auckland.ac.nz
Sean Maguire
Academic Services Manager
"I represent Academic Services within the faculty. I am here to bring visibility and support where I can for the rainbow community within Science and across the University."
Phone: +64 9 923 2345
Email: s.maguire@auckland.ac.nz
Meg Parsons
Associate Professor Environment
"I represent the School of Environment. As a disabled Māori woman working in the Faculty of Science, I strive to embed and advance equity within the University for both staff and students."
Profile: Meg Parsons
Email: meg.parsons@auckland.ac.nz
Ivana Sequeira
Research Fellow
“I represent the FoS Research Fellow Society. As an Early Career Researcher, I am passionate about advocating equal opportunities that contribute to the career development of Early Career Researchers (Post-Doctoral and [Senior] Research Fellows) within the Faculty of Science and wider university.”
Profile: Ivana Sequeira
Email: i.sequeira@auckland.ac.nz
Lizzie Tafili
Student Support Adviser Māori and Pacific students
"I am a Student Support Adviser for Māori and Pacific students studying in the Faculty of Science. My role is to provide care and support for students of this cohort throughout the duration of their studies. I am available if you wish to discuss needs pertaining to wellbeing within a confidential space. I can also connect you with different services within the university to ensure you have access to the appropriate support."
Profile: Lizzie Tafili
Email: lizzie.tafili@auckland.ac.nz